AN MP has praised the RSPCA for protecting animals in Aireborough and Horsforth.

Stuart Andrew (Con, Pudsey) attended the animal welfare charity’s annual drop-in at the House of Commons recently, when he heard from RSPCA inspectors about their frontline work.

The MP also heard about the scale of animal cruelty complaints across the Leeds area at the event. In 2018, the RSPCA investigated 1,765 local incidents, with 43 convictions being made to 23 individuals.

Mr Andrew said: “I’m proud to support the RSPCA and the work their Inspectors do to protect animal welfare in my constituency. It was fantastic to meet some of their hard-working inspectors and to thank them on behalf of the animal lovers in our area.

“However, I am saddened that the statistics show cruelty complaints are continuing in Leeds. I will continue to work closely with the RSPCA to help improve standards across the UK.”